Looking to improve your nature photography? (As most of us are) - the May meeting is for you
Our May speaker is not be missed if you have an interest in wildlife photography, especially if you focus (or try to) on birds. Mike Matthews is a respected photographer and guide who will share his knowledge of how to get better results when photographing creatures of all sizes at all distances.
Mike’s passion for bird photography began over fifty years ago and he has been shooting professionally for over twenty years. His images have been published in numerous magazines such as Birds&Blooms, Gulf Shore Life, Kentucky Home and Garden, and Bassmasters, among others. Many of his images have also been used by universities for articles relating to specific topics like human/wildlife interaction. Being an avid outdoorsman, his passion for photographing wildlife is ever present when he is in the field. Mike utilizes his skill to get very close to birds and other wildlife and he captures stunning images that bring the audience along as if they were there with him. Mike is also a master falconer and has trained birds of prey for over fifty years. He also offers a variety of guided bird and nature photography tours in both Florida and in Kentucky.
He also enjoys macro photography, which enables him to capture the small but beautiful world of insects, reptiles and amphibians. Mike has been a keynote speaker throughout the US on this topic as well as on nature and bird photography in general. Mike hopes that you will enjoy his passion for capturing nature in its truest form through inspirational images that share the wonder of all creation.
Things that you will learn from this program:
1. Best times of the day to photograph birds.
2. My favorite food choices for backyard birds.
3. Camera settings and tips for getting great photos.
4. Using a remote shutter release for your camera.
5. Setting up props for great bird photos at your feeders.
6. Key elements for a good photo.
7. How to take advantage of the different seasons, especially migration.
8. Best times of the year for the best plumage on birds. Is it spring mating season or fall and winter?
The Beckham Bird Club monthly meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, on the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Kennedy Avenue in Crescent Hill.
Mike’s passion for bird photography began over fifty years ago and he has been shooting professionally for over twenty years. His images have been published in numerous magazines such as Birds&Blooms, Gulf Shore Life, Kentucky Home and Garden, and Bassmasters, among others. Many of his images have also been used by universities for articles relating to specific topics like human/wildlife interaction. Being an avid outdoorsman, his passion for photographing wildlife is ever present when he is in the field. Mike utilizes his skill to get very close to birds and other wildlife and he captures stunning images that bring the audience along as if they were there with him. Mike is also a master falconer and has trained birds of prey for over fifty years. He also offers a variety of guided bird and nature photography tours in both Florida and in Kentucky.
He also enjoys macro photography, which enables him to capture the small but beautiful world of insects, reptiles and amphibians. Mike has been a keynote speaker throughout the US on this topic as well as on nature and bird photography in general. Mike hopes that you will enjoy his passion for capturing nature in its truest form through inspirational images that share the wonder of all creation.
Things that you will learn from this program:
1. Best times of the day to photograph birds.
2. My favorite food choices for backyard birds.
3. Camera settings and tips for getting great photos.
4. Using a remote shutter release for your camera.
5. Setting up props for great bird photos at your feeders.
6. Key elements for a good photo.
7. How to take advantage of the different seasons, especially migration.
8. Best times of the year for the best plumage on birds. Is it spring mating season or fall and winter?
The Beckham Bird Club monthly meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, on the corner of Frankfort Avenue and Kennedy Avenue in Crescent Hill.
MAY BUSINESS MEETING - BOARD ELECTION AND PROPOSED BY-LAW AMENDMENT
The May meeting is when the Beckham Bird Club elects officers and board members. The slate of candidates put forth by the current board, meeting as the Nominating Committee, is:
President - Meg Brown (incumbent)
Vice-President - Christine Hayden
Treasurer - Steve Brown (incumbent)
Secretary - Pam Spaulding (incumbent)
Director - Carol Besse
Director - Donovan Jones
Director - Kevin Flowers (running for a one-year term to complete Christine Hayden's term)
Director Karen Bonsell has a year remaining in her terms.
The BBC Board is also proposing to amend the by-law establishing membership categories. A full explanation of the change follows below:
SUMMARY:
The Beckham Bird Club Board is proposing to amend the club by-laws to create the new membership category of Family Contributing Member. The amendment primarily is intended to address the fact that under the current membership structure, a Contributing Member pays higher annual dues than a Family Member but does not receive equivalent benefits. This seems to be a disincentive to become a Contributing Member. Therefore, the board is proposing the new category of membership, which will enable members who wish to include their household in the membership AND to make an added contribution to do so by choosing to become Family Contributing Members. It will add Section G to Article III.
In addition the proposed amendment also clarifies the by-laws by:
• replacing some archaic language in Section A
• better defining who is eligible for a student membership (Section E) by defining the types of educational institutions that confer eligibility.
• stating that a Life Membership (Section D) grants membership privileges on those in the member’s household during the lifetime of the member
• noting that a Life Membership (section D) is non-transferable
If the amendment passes, the board will offer a motion to set the annual dues at $40 for a Family Contributing Membership.
The proposed by-law amendment motion and proposed new language:
Amend Article III to revise Section A to change and add membership levels and modernize language; revise Sections C, D, E, F to reflect changed title of Contributing Membership and to clarify membership status and qualifications; add Section G to create Family Contributing Membership:
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section A – Any person with an interest in birds and who supports the purposes of this corporation may become a member by paying the prescribed dues. Membership categories shall be Active, Active Contributing, Life, Student, Family, and Family Contributing.
Section B – Active Membership shall consist of those persons who pay Active Membership dues and who desire to cooperate in the work of the corporation and wish to receive its publications.
Section C – Active Contributing Membership shall consist of those persons who pay Active Contributing Membership dues. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of an Active Member.
Section D – Life Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the Life Membership fee. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of a Family Member. A Life Membership is non-transferable.
Section E – Student Membership shall include bona fide full-time students of K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. They shall pay the Student Membership dues annually as long as they remain in this classification. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of an Active Member.
Section F – Family Membership shall include all persons living in the same household as a member who pays Family Membership dues or who is a Life Member.
Section G – Family Contributing Membership shall include all persons living in the same household as a member who pays Family Contributing Membership dues.
President - Meg Brown (incumbent)
Vice-President - Christine Hayden
Treasurer - Steve Brown (incumbent)
Secretary - Pam Spaulding (incumbent)
Director - Carol Besse
Director - Donovan Jones
Director - Kevin Flowers (running for a one-year term to complete Christine Hayden's term)
Director Karen Bonsell has a year remaining in her terms.
The BBC Board is also proposing to amend the by-law establishing membership categories. A full explanation of the change follows below:
SUMMARY:
The Beckham Bird Club Board is proposing to amend the club by-laws to create the new membership category of Family Contributing Member. The amendment primarily is intended to address the fact that under the current membership structure, a Contributing Member pays higher annual dues than a Family Member but does not receive equivalent benefits. This seems to be a disincentive to become a Contributing Member. Therefore, the board is proposing the new category of membership, which will enable members who wish to include their household in the membership AND to make an added contribution to do so by choosing to become Family Contributing Members. It will add Section G to Article III.
In addition the proposed amendment also clarifies the by-laws by:
• replacing some archaic language in Section A
• better defining who is eligible for a student membership (Section E) by defining the types of educational institutions that confer eligibility.
• stating that a Life Membership (Section D) grants membership privileges on those in the member’s household during the lifetime of the member
• noting that a Life Membership (section D) is non-transferable
If the amendment passes, the board will offer a motion to set the annual dues at $40 for a Family Contributing Membership.
The proposed by-law amendment motion and proposed new language:
Amend Article III to revise Section A to change and add membership levels and modernize language; revise Sections C, D, E, F to reflect changed title of Contributing Membership and to clarify membership status and qualifications; add Section G to create Family Contributing Membership:
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section A – Any person with an interest in birds and who supports the purposes of this corporation may become a member by paying the prescribed dues. Membership categories shall be Active, Active Contributing, Life, Student, Family, and Family Contributing.
Section B – Active Membership shall consist of those persons who pay Active Membership dues and who desire to cooperate in the work of the corporation and wish to receive its publications.
Section C – Active Contributing Membership shall consist of those persons who pay Active Contributing Membership dues. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of an Active Member.
Section D – Life Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the Life Membership fee. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of a Family Member. A Life Membership is non-transferable.
Section E – Student Membership shall include bona fide full-time students of K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. They shall pay the Student Membership dues annually as long as they remain in this classification. They shall be accorded the privileges and duties of an Active Member.
Section F – Family Membership shall include all persons living in the same household as a member who pays Family Membership dues or who is a Life Member.
Section G – Family Contributing Membership shall include all persons living in the same household as a member who pays Family Contributing Membership dues.
WHY BE A BECKHAM BIRD CLUB MEMBER?
If you are not a Beckham Bird Club member, but have an interest in birds, birding or bird conservation, here is why you should join:
Memberships are for the calendar year and dues are due by January 1. However, if you are joining for the first time or rejoining after a lapse in membership, paying your dues after October 1 also gets you a membership for the following year.
You may join either directly through this website using PayPal or credit card or, if you want to pay by check, by downloading, printing and sending in the membership form, which is also on the website.
Here’s a handy guide to the membership process:
http://www.beckhambirdclub.org/uploads/4/6/2/1/46215227/2022_membership_form__2_.pdf
The BBC board encourages you to renew early and hopes that you will encourage non-member birders or bird lovers of your acquaintance to join.
- Support BBC programming. Your dues pay for our meeting venues, speaker fees and support BBC activities such as the picnic and annual dinner.
- Stay informed about what the BBC is doing. Your membership means you will continue receive the newsletter and other updates.
- Your dues help BBC remain visible in the community by paying the costs of the BBC website.
- Your dues pay for printing the BBC membership directory and allow us to periodically update our technology (laptop, projector, etc.).
- MOST IMPORTANT REASON: You reap the psychic reward of being a part of and supporting a great organization.
- Members who don’t renew by December will receive a mailed reminder.
Memberships are for the calendar year and dues are due by January 1. However, if you are joining for the first time or rejoining after a lapse in membership, paying your dues after October 1 also gets you a membership for the following year.
You may join either directly through this website using PayPal or credit card or, if you want to pay by check, by downloading, printing and sending in the membership form, which is also on the website.
Here’s a handy guide to the membership process:
- Go the membership tab at the top of this page.
- You will see a list of membership categories, with the dues for each and a yellow button that says “Donate.”
- Click on the button. It will take you to PayPal.
- Enter the amount you wish to pay (we encourage you to renew at the highest level you can) and then DESIGNATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION FOR MEMBERSHIP (this is the default choice). THIS IS SO WE KNOW YOU ARE PAYING DUES, RATHER THAN MAKING A DONATION.
- IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Dues payments in excess of the amount for the membership category specified will be deposited into the general fund unless otherwise designated by the member making the payment. In other words, if you sign up as a contributing member at the $30 dues level, but pay $50, the extra $20 will go to the general fund, unless you designate for another purpose, such as Birdathon.
- Select payment either through your PayPal account, if you have one, or by credit card.
- If you select credit card payment, you will be asked for credit card information, including your name and address, (don’t worry, it’s a secure site) and then be asked to create a PayPal account. Doing so will simplify the process next time. (Just remember to write down your password and save it where it can be relocated.)
- IF YOU HAVE BEEN A MEMBER BEFORE AND HAVE NEW CONTACT INFORMATION (ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE), YOU CAN ADD A NOTE LETTING US KNOW. PLEASE DO SO.
- YOU ALSO MAY SHARE YOUR ADDRESS WITH BBC BY CHECKING THE BOX THAT SENDS IT TO US TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GIFT.
- Complete the transaction by following the PayPal prompts. You will get an email confirmation of your payment.
- AND JUST IN CASE, please take the following IMPORTANT STEP: Please email your name, address, email and telephone number to bbcky1935@gmail.com so we can keep our membership roster up to date.
http://www.beckhambirdclub.org/uploads/4/6/2/1/46215227/2022_membership_form__2_.pdf
The BBC board encourages you to renew early and hopes that you will encourage non-member birders or bird lovers of your acquaintance to join.
BIRDATHON SUCCESS!!
2023 Birdathon Report
A big THANK YOU!! to all of the 2023 Birdathon participants and donors. We exceeded our fundraising goal, allowing the Beckham Bird Club to fully fund all of our grant recipients and make an additional donation to a worthy local organization that is helping birds. Details will be in the November newsletter and also may be found here on the website.
It's not too early to donate to the 2024 Birdathon. You can do so directly on this website, by going to this page and clicking on the yellow DONATE button.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2024 GRANTS:
Applications are now open for the 2024 Birdathon grants. Applications must be received or postmarked by January 31, 2024. The form may be found here.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BBC BOARD
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board has determined that field trips will now be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The current policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group has proven both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, effective immediately, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
In response to member concerns and after careful consideration, the Beckham Bird Club board has determined that field trips will now be no-smoking and no-vaping events. The current policy of asking participants who smoke and vape to step away from the main group has proven both ineffective and unworkable. Therefore, effective immediately, participants are asked to refrain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the field trip. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
How to Get Involved With Birds and Birding
- Attend Beckham Bird Club meetings, especially if you have never been to one.
- Come along on a Beckham Bird Club field trip, especially if you have never been on one.
- After doing the first two things on this list, join the Beckham Bird Club. It's easy to do on this website from the Membership tab
- Obtain a good pair of binoculars and both a hard copy and phone app field guide. Use them frequently.
- Join the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's eBird and Merlin sites. They're free and easy to use, and they are a great way to record your bird observations and find and identify birds.
- If you have a yard, research how to make it bird friendly by adding native plants, feeders and water sources. Then add.
- Join the Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS).
- Subscribe to the birdKY listserv via KOS. It's a great way to know what's going on with birds in Kentucky.
- Attend one of the KOS meetings in April or September.
- Donate to the BBC Birdathon.
- Familiarize yourself with the American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics (see Birding Ethics under the Conservation tab above) and adhere to it when birding.
- Get out and bird in one of Kentucky's least-birded counties. Kentucky has a substantial portion of the counties with the fewest eBird checklists. You can help fix that.
- Attend a birding festival in Kentucky or elsewhere.
- Take a child birding.
- Donate your old/unused binoculars and scopes to nature centers, school groups interested in birding.
- Bird, bird, and bird some more.